Systemic lupus erythmatosus - When to consider and management options.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by multi-system manifestations. It is regarded as the prototypal connective tissue disease, where the key pathogenesis relates to a dysfunctional immune system that results in over-production of various autoantibodies. Most of its pathology is mediated by either direct or indirect effects of these autoantibodies, as well as other components of the innate and adaptive immune systems.